Road Rage

by Richard Kress
(Lawrence, Ks)

Photo Credit: MPD01605

I have experienced this situation before. I was recently driving in to town from my home. I have to drive down approximately 5 miles of gravel road before I reach a paved road. On this occassion I was following a pickup truck for approxiamately two miles.

This vehicle was driving between 20 and 25 mph. The speed limit is 35mph. I was following about a car to a car and a half behind. We came to an intersection which in my mind would have been a good place for him to signal for me to go around. That did not occur.

About a quarter mile down the road I decided to pass. I began to pass and the truck began to move left and force me off the road. I accelerated around him and drove on down the road. The driver of the truck accelerated and began to follow me up to and exceeding the speed limit. At the next stop sign I stopped my car, got out and approached the truck. The driver opened the door, but did not get out.

I confronted him on why he would try to intentionally try to run me off the road. Actually I was yelling and swearing at him. I was completely out of control. I was on the brink of "If you make an act of aggression towards me I am going to retaliate."

I don't understand why some people think it is acceptable behavior to try and use their vehicle as a tool to try and hurt someone. I was making a perfectly legal pass, on both occasions and the same type of behavior occured.

Is it me? Are my actions too aggressive? Is passing on a gravel road when someone is driving slower than the posted speed limit an act of inprudent aggression? I was very concerned about my behavior.

I know there are a lot of question that must be asked in order to understand the persons frame of mind and the answers can't always be arrived at quickly. Any answers to the road rage issues would be great.